Visual of Elysian (Abstract Series #2)

Chapter 2

"One of our clients are interested with your designs. Maybe…"

Nagkukwentuhan lang ang mga matatanda tungkol sa negosyo habang kanina pa kami tahimik ni Aid.

I glanced at him and found his eyes staring at me. A playful smirk was plastered on his lips and I can't help but feel annoyed.

He almost barfed a laugh when I rolled my eyes at him.

Tanggap kong ikakasal ako sa hindi ko mahal. But, Aid? Gosh! I can't imagine!

Duda ako sa sinabi ni Daddy na pumili siya ng matinong lalaki para sa akin. Knowing Aid's reputation, he is far from the description my Dad gave.

"Can we excuse ourselves? I want to talk to Ava alone."

Sabay kaming napatingin sa biglaang pagtayo ni Aid. I raised my brow when he stared at me, waiting for my response. Napatingin ako sa mga magulang namin at lahat sila ay nasa akin din ang mata.

I sighed before I stood up, giving in. Nakahinga naman sila ng maluwag.

"May garden sa labas nitong restaurant. The both of you can stay there," Mrs. Peralta suggested.

Walang imik akong sumunod sa lalaki. I don't know what he wants but at least, I escaped from the uncomfortable air.

"Anong gusto mong sabihin?" diretso kong tanong niya nang makaupo kami sa bench sa garden.

He shrugged. "Nothing. Napansin ko lang na parang hindi ka komportable roon. Maybe an open space can help."

Natahimik ako. It's unexpected coming from him. Gusto kong magpasalamat pero ayaw kong ibuka ang bibig ko. Too much pride is taking over me.

"You're welcome," he said after the long silence.

Heat profusely scattered on my cheeks. Nag-iwas lang ako ng tingin at maingay na bumuntong hininga.

"Ayaw mo talagang ma-engage sa akin? Gwapo naman ako, ah."

I immediately threw a glare at him. Pabiro siyang nagpakita ng takot at humalakhak.

"Ayaw kong makarinig ng balita araw-araw na may ibang babae ka na naman. A fixed marriage is already too much so I'd rather have a peaceful one."

He nodded, absorbing my words. "Got it. Wala naman sa plano ko ang maging laman ng balita araw-araw."

Relief washed my annoyance towards him. Mas mabuti na ang nagkakaintindihan kami.

"How about three times a week? Okay lang ba 'yon?"

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay nang marinig ang sinabi niya. Is this guy for real? 

He composed a serious face before bursting into laughter. Hindi man lang ako natinag at nanatiling masama ang tingin sa kanya.

"I'm just kidding! Even though I am not in love with you, I respect the sacredness of marriage."

Duda pa rin ako. I know him. Makakaya kaya niyang hindi makagalaw ng babae sa iilang taong magkasama kami?

"Besides, ginagawa ko lang ang kagustuhan ng parents ko. I am planning to file a divorce maybe one or two years after our marriage."

Oo nga naman. Bakit ko nga ba naisip na lifetime ang kasunduang ito? I am glad he is planning a divorce.

"Pero mamaya na natin 'yon isipin! We are still in our 2nd year. How about the live-in thing our parents are planning?"

Kumunot ang noo ko nang maalala iyon. Living with this man scares me. Please lang! Ayaw ko makarinig ng umuungol habang payapa ang tulog ko.